At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative development for exhibitions and immersive environments at the British Museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum's award-winning Design & Interpretation Studio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor and lead creative teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of exhibition design in a world-renowned cultural institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibition design or architecture with a strong portfolio.
The predicted salary is between 43317 - 43317 £ per year.
Position Details
- Full-time 41 hours per week
- Hybrid (3 days per week on-site in Bloomsbury, London. 5 days during probation)
- Permanent contract
- £43,317 per annum
- Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 10 April 2026
About The Role
Join the British Museum’s award‑winning Design & Interpretation Studio at a defining moment in the Museum’s history. As we embark on the once‑in‑a‑generation Masterplan to transform the entire Bloomsbury site, this role offers the chance to shape not only major exhibitions, gallery redevelopments and public‑facing spatial projects, but also the future direction of the studio itself. You will act as our Senior Exhibition Designer to lead the creative vision for immersive environments, craft narrative‑driven visitor experiences, and collaborate closely with curators, interpretation specialists, and graphic designers. As a hands‑on creative leader, you’ll drive design excellence from concept through to final delivery, helping to build an industry‑leading design practice and leaving a lasting imprint on the Museum’s next chapter.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced exhibition designer or architect with a strong portfolio of realised projects in museums, cultural institutions, or complex public environments. You bring a deep understanding of spatial design, materiality, and construction, alongside the ability to develop and communicate clear conceptual responses to narrative briefs. You are confident leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from curators to fabricators. You balance creative ambition with technical expertise, and are comfortable working across all project stages, from early concept through detailed design and delivery. Experience of exhibition design, architectural practice, or scenography is essential, as is an interest in how audiences engage with space, objects, and stories. You thrive in complex, fast‑paced environments, and bring a collaborative, thoughtful approach to leadership. You are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects of cultural significance, and to help shape the future of exhibition design at one of the world’s leading museums.
Key areas of responsibility
- Lead creative development for temporary exhibitions, permanent galleries and public‑facing spaces, shaping compelling spatial narratives and immersive environments.
- Produce high‑quality drawings, visualisations, technical documentation and tender packages using advanced 2D/3D tools.
- Manage contractors, specialist consultants and external designers to ensure design intent, build quality and project standards are met.
- Champion sustainable design through responsible material choices, reuse strategies and environmentally informed construction methods.
- Mentor junior designers, foster an ambitious studio culture and collaborate across disciplines to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.
Portfolio
Please provide a portfolio that includes a well‑curated selection of relevant work, clearly showing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. Please submit your portfolio as a PDF under the ‘Cover Letter’ Section of your application. Applications without a portfolio, or with an incorrectly submitted portfolio, cannot be considered.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’ve designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here.
Our Values
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
Senior Exhibition Designer employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of cultural innovation in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. With a commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, you will be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and sustainability while shaping immersive visitor experiences. Our comprehensive benefits package and focus on fostering diverse voices ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Exhibition Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with the role. Highlight your creative process and how you’ve tackled challenges in past exhibitions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts or attend events related to exhibition design. You never know who might have a lead on opportunities or can give you insider tips about the British Museum.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the British Museum’s current exhibitions and future plans. Show us you’re not just passionate about design but also about the museum's mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Exhibition Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Make sure to include a well-curated selection of your work in your application. This is your chance to shine, so pick projects that really showcase your skills and experience relevant to the role!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter! Take the time to tailor it to the Senior Exhibition Designer role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the job description and reflect our values in your writing.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your creativity, but also appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about each project in your portfolio. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and ability to reflect on your work.
✨Understand the Museum's Vision
Research the British Museum’s current exhibitions and future plans. Familiarise yourself with their Masterplan and think about how your design philosophy aligns with their vision. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you engaged with curators or fabricators, and be prepared to share how you navigated any challenges that arose.
✨Embrace Their Values
Reflect on the museum's core values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, and Value Many Voices. Prepare examples from your experience that showcase how you embody these values, as they are key to their recruitment process.
